Media Watchdogs Condemn Detention of Journalists in Ethiopia
April 23, 2025
Journalist Antoinette Lattouf Wins Court Case Over Online Racist Abuse
April 24, 2025
April 23, 2025 – USA –
Bill Owens, executive producer of the long-running CBS news program 60 Minutes, has announced his resignation following intense political backlash spurred by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Owens, who has led the program since 2019, revealed his departure on April 22, 2025, amid mounting pressure and controversy after the show aired an investigative report scrutinizing Trump’s legal entanglements and campaign operations.
The report, which aired earlier this year, drew harsh criticism from Trump and his supporters. Trump publicly accused 60 Minutes of bias and dishonesty, calling for boycotts and ramping up pressure on CBS. According to insiders, the fallout led to a turbulent internal environment at the network, with executives facing both political pressure and external scrutiny over the show’s editorial independence.
In a memo to staff, Owens did not directly address the Trump-related backlash but said the time felt right to move on after “an extraordinary five-year run.” He noted that he was proud of the journalism the team had produced and emphasized the importance of editorial integrity. Still, sources at CBS say the pressure campaign from Trump and escalating political attacks on the program played a significant role in his decision to step down.
Owens’ resignation comes at a moment of growing tension between political figures and the press. Media watchdogs and journalism advocates expressed concern that Owens’ departure could signal a chilling effect on investigative journalism, particularly reporting that challenges powerful political figures. Some staff members have privately voiced worries about CBS yielding to political intimidation.
Despite the controversy, 60 Minutes remains one of the most influential and trusted investigative news programs in the United States. During Owens’ tenure, the show maintained strong ratings and continued to win accolades for its reporting, even as the political climate became more polarized.
CBS has yet to announce a permanent replacement for Owens. In the meantime, questions remain about the future editorial direction of 60 Minutes, especially in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections and renewed political scrutiny of major media outlets.
Reference –
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/04/22/media/60-minutes-executive-producer-resigns-independence
